Original subtitles

TOHO CO., LTD. presents a P.C.L. Production

Based on the Novel "Two Wives" by Minoru Nakano

WIFE! BE LIKE A ROSE!

Cinematography HIROSHI SUZUKI

Sound Recording KOICHI SUGII

Art Direction KAZUO KUBO

Music NOBORU ITO

Written and Directed by MIKIO NARUSE

Cast

SACHIKO CHIBA as Kimiko Yamamoto YURIKO HANABUSA as Oyuki

TOMOKO ITO as Etsuko Yamamoto SETSUKO HORIKOSHI as Shizuo

SADAO MARUYAMA as Shunsaku Yamamoto

HEIHACHIRO OKAWA as Seiji KAORU ITO as Kenichi KAMATARI FUJIWARA as the Uncle

Working late, Miss Yamamoto?

No, I'm leaving.

"Onions, bean, paste, tuna".

"Onions, bean, paste, tuna". Phooey! Thought it was a love letter.

Phooey! Thought it was a love letter.

Never you mind.

Miss Yamamoto?

Don't you want a boyfriend?

The nerve!

Aren't you lonely?

You're too kind. But I have someone.

Waiting for me?

You wish.

Then what are you doing?

I was just thinking of leaving when you came.

The same as waiting.

No, the feeling's totally different.

Let's go to a movie.

No. I'm busy tonight.

Actually, I'm too.

Well, Good-bye then.

Yes, Good-bye.

My uncle wants to talk about wedding.

Yours?

Are you sure?

Maybe not.

Don't scare me like that.

I'm sure it's about Father.

Have you heard from him?

I'd like to talk to you about that.

Can you come over tomorrow?

Yes, sure.

I'll cook for you.

But use your movie money to buy a gift for Mother.

You're tought!

Mother!

Supper's ready.

Quiet, please.

I have an inspiration for a poem.

Please be quiet!

Did you write one?

It's very good. Listen.

With spring my solitude...

grips my heart more harshly than in winter.

Lovely.

But beyond me.

No poetic sensibility.

Like your poem, I've created a masterpiece.

What is it?

Here, this.

Chef's salad.

Silly.

Cooking is too much work. You should hire a maid.

We're only two people. It would be wasteful.

Registered letter!

It's from Father.

What does he say?

"Money Order: 30 yen".

He could have written something.

I know Shunsaku.

He won't write until he can send a large sum.

He may be doing this behind that woman's back.

The money aside, I see Mother growing older...

That's the problem.

Did you see this?

Mother's poems?

Listen.

Neglected I remain these many years...

Yet each spring I long for him afresh.

Here's another.

Alone year after year...

I've lost the art of joking.

What do you think?

She thinks of nothing but your father.

I hope she won't make herself sick.

I'm going out a while.

You and your uncle talk over...

how to bring your father home quickly.

Good-bye now.

Good-bye, Auntie.

Take care of things.

Uncle...

I don't mean to blame Mother.

But when Father lived with us...

she didn't seem to care that much about him.

When he'd come home at night...

she didn't even help him change his clothes.

She hardly spoke to him.

I don't think she was a good wife.

But what about him?

A mistress and children.

Left his wife and daughter for fifteen years!

I didn't say he was a good husband.

Precisely. Now listen.

And with him away...

how can you and Seiji get married?

Don't worry about me.

Do you mean that?

Don't lie to yourself.

Want to end up writing poetry like your mother?

Seiji's father wants you two to marry soon.

But he wants to meet your father first.

If you'll go, I'll help.

Thank you, Uncle.

Where did Auntie go?

To play mahjong. She's out all the time lately.

My, how modern!

You don't mind?

No, I'm a good husband.

An example for your father.

Do you write poetry too?

Not poetry, but I have a new passion.

Wait, I'll surprise you.

What is it?

Cactus, maybe?

Or is it birds?

Nothing like that.

Last time it was a mice.

Auntie was unhappy with the smell.

Gidayu songs. Want to hear?

Uncle! You're doing classical song?

What shall I sing?

Something interesting, and short.

And cheerful.

Never heard of a cheerful Gidayu.

Anyway, listen.

After my parents left me...

my uncle took care of me.

He raised me with you,

three years older than I.

Then misfortune befell you.

Smallpox struck you down.

You lost your eyesight.

Poverty took its toll.

But I have promised...

to stay with you, Sawaichi.

Though fires rage or floods pour down...

we will be man and wife...

into the world beyond.

Hello.

Seiji? Come in.

I'm already in.

Good. You remembered.

This seems more eagerly awaited than I am.

Of course.

Where's your mother?

The poetry club.

I'm thirsty.

Would you like tea? Just help yourself.

There's English too.

But I'm the guest.

Sorry, my hands are full.

What did you bring?

Thought your hands were full.

Silly. I'm not going to eat it.

I saw Uncle last night.

What was it about?

He wants me to bring Father back home.

Yes, it's too hard on you and your mother.

Have you seen Mother's poetry in the papers?

Yes, they're all love poems to your father.

Strange. She told me he's unsympathetic and vulgar.

Does distance really make the heart grow fond?

Do poems make money?

Hardly.

But she teaches poetry, doesn't she?

Yes, but not for money.

Look out there.

That's all her pupils ever bring.

The place is a flower dump.

I have to water every day.

That's pretty.

Can you eat it?

Eating is all you can think about.

But you can eat cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums.

They bring chrysanthemums in the fall. Be my guest.

If you can't wait, eat that one.

This will do fine.

Your father doesn't know my father's not here.

But your uncle will explain everything.

Still, they'll have to meet some day.

I guess so.

It's Mother.

Hello, Mother.

Hello.

She looks angry.

No, she's not.

It's an inspiration, for a poem.

Poetry comes from inspiration?

I'm impressed.

Silly.

Hello.

Mrs. Yamamoto,

did you just have an inspiration?

On my way home I saw something...

that moved me deeply.

What was it?

A young couple walked toward me,

leading their pretty little girl.

Then the girl tripped and broke...

the strap of her sandal.

It was as red as fire.

The young mother repaired the sandal,

ripping her handkerchief with her lovely hands.

The young father held and comforted the girl.

Would that make a poem?

Such a beautiful portrait.

It was a familial affection...

in perfect harmony.

That was happiness.

I saw it with my own eyes.

Was that "inspiration"?

Experiences like that produce good poems.

Is that so...

Kimiko.

I'm very upset. Very.

What is it?

Mr. Yoshida's son is set...

to marry the daughter of one of my pupils.

They want me to be their go-between at the wedding.

I thought only married couples were go-betweens.

That's why I'm upset.

I declined once, but they insist.

Don't they know about Father?

I don't talk about it.

They should read your poems.

What shall I do?

Hello!

I brought you some cakes.

Thank you.

Mother, it's the tailor.

He's brought a coat.

Did you order again?

Yes, there's a poetry meeting this month...

and Mr. Sasagawa's book publication party.

Mother's impossible.

She doesn't understand me.

Get one made for yourself, then.

Oh? And who would pay for it?

You, maybe?

I might.

Silly. How much do you make a month?

Only ten yen more than I do.

Excuse me.

Ten yen's not much.

But men are still better than women.

What a bad loser you are!

How do you like it?

If you like it, fine.

And I want a formal kimono too.

For yourself?

Yes, for a wedding. Make it fancy...

but not frumpy.

I understand.

For a wedding?

The Yoshida wedding.

I can't wear my old one again.

But you can't be their go-between.

Yes, but I can't refuse. It's awful.

Anyway, draw a design.

What's wrong?

She's impossible.

She's upset, but the orders a new kimono.

Can't be helped.

She has no other consolation.

But my salary's only 45 yen.

There you go with the salary talk again.

Good-bye.

Please make it nice.

I'm staying home today. Why don't you go out?

But Kimiko promised to cook for me.

Seiji, let's go out.

That's nice.

It's a beautiful day.

Have a good time.

We're going out?

Do you have money? Let me see.

More than I thought.

Let's splurge today.

No thanks.

I'm not just counting on your finances.

I have even more.

Let's spend it all.

Are you sure?

What is it?

The weather may change as fast as you.

Poor Mother.

She's not a bad person.

In fact she's quite nice.

She's just a loser.

All the more pitiful.

Men like a wife who acts childish and cajoling...

or jealous sometimes.

Or motherly and protective.

But my mother can't do it.

Not that she doesn't know. She knows but she can't.

You've done your research.

I know I'll be a good wife.

Maybe too good for you.

It's Father!

Driver, stop!

Hey, the fare!

I've lost him.

Was it really him?

Yes, definitely.

Let's go home.

He's sure to come.

Really?

Shunsaku, is that you?

It's been a long time.

When did you arrive?

This morning.

Been home?

Not yet.

You're on your way?

They'll be so glad.

He'll be so glad. He loves this.

Cucumbers! They're cheap. I'll get some.

This is enough.

Just a few.

Give me some money.

In poetry direct expression is best.

I see.

Why don't you try?

Yes, all right.

For example, direct expression of hunger...

Seiji, come here, please.

I'll work on it.

Yes?

Peel this, please.

Such a feast today!

It's a big event. You'll be surprised.

Yes, it's...

Seiji!

What is it?

Well, where is this surprise? Not yet?

Not quite.

"Thought I am hungry..."

"an empty stomach..."

"The samurai who has not dined..."

What's happened, Kimiko?

All right, I'll tell you.

Good evening.

- Good evening. - Hello.

What's this? A party?

Kimiko's idea.

Oh, I see. For Shunsaku.

Where is he, anyway?

How did you know?

Your aunt saw him today.

Mother, he's in town. We saw him from a taxi.

You mean he hasn't come here yet?

My wife met him on the street.

This is too much!

He must be here on urgent business.

He may come very late.

It's not right.

If he's in town, he should come here first.

That's right.

At this rate, he'll never come home.

That woman is manipulating him.

If this goes on, he'll be ruined.

If he leaves Oyuki now we'll help all we can.

He can give her everything he has and come home.

He's not as well off as he once was...

but he has enough to send some to you.

That's why she stay with him.

Anyway, she was a geisha.

If he goes broke, she'll get rid of him.

He should leave now.

BILLIARDS

Mr. Sakazaki!

You have a guest.

Oh, thank you.

Just a small gift.

Good evening.

On your way home?

I'm going to see Father.

He can't ignore us. I'm furious.

When are you leaving?

Tomorrow.

What about work?

I got time off.

O.K. by yourself?

Of course.

Oyuki is a tough one.

Don't let her beat you.

Don't worry, I can handle it.

That's right, I guess you're as tough as she is.

Is that an insult or a compliment?

Oh, if you want, tea, help yourself.

There's English too.

If you give me some money, I'll bring you a souvenir.

As tough as ever.

Got the train fare?

Uncle gave it to me.

Where is it?

Change trains in Nagano. Then into the mountains.

Father!

Sorry I'm late. You must be hungry.

I'm all right, just tired today.

I was about to quit.

How is it going?

Not so good.

I may have to cross another mountain.

I'm sorry for all of you.

Oh, no.

We're looking forward the day you succeed.

I'll strike it rich some day for sure.

They say there's gold in that river.

Just speculators' talk.

How far is Hirao Village?

Right there.

Do you know the Yamamotos?

Which Yamamotos?

Shunsaku Yamamoto.

That's us.

What, you?

He's my father.

Coming to my house?

Yes. Please take me there.

What are you here for?

To talk to your father.

Do you know him?

Yes, very well.

Mother, too?

No, I don't know her.

What does she do?

She's a hairdresser.

Hairdresser?

And my sister's a seamstress.

HAIRDRESSER

DRESSMAKER

Here were are.

A lady from Tokyo?

I'm Kimiko Yamamoto.

The Young Miss from Tokyo?

Is there an Oyuki here?

I am Oyuki. I'm happy to meet you.

You've come all that way?

Please come in.

Thank you.

Welcome to our home.

Forgive my sudden visit.

I've wanted to meet you, and apologize.

Mother! Mother!

Excuse me.

Who is the Young Miss from Tokyo?

Someone very precious to your father.

What does that mean?

You'll understand when you grow up.

Thank you.

Father's tired, so he's coming home early.

That's good.

The Young Miss from Tokyo is here.

Young Miss from Tokyo?

I've spoken of her.

You mean Kimiko?

Yes. Say hello to her.

Kenichi, come with us.

My daughter and son.

How do you do?

How do you do?

How do you do?

You may go now.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Please make yourself at home.

And my father?

Working in the mountains. He'll be home soon.

I saw him in Tokyo.

From a taxi.

I got out and followed, but I lost him.

Yes, he was in Tokyo on business.

He didn't come to see us.

I begged him to.

Your family must hate me.

Put yourself in my mother's place.

Though he has a good wife. I've come to depend on him.

I'm deeply sorry.

Father is to blame.

I have some sympathy for him...

but when I think of Mother I can't permit this.

Who is this Young Miss?

She's precious to Father.

Why precious?

You'll understand when you grow up.

You talk like Mother.

Kenichi!

Take the Young Miss and go meet Father.

You may meet on the way.

Until later.

Mother!

What does she want?

She wants to see Father.

Should we be worried?

Oh, no.

I hear you're precious to my father.

Who said that?

Mother and Sister.

Why precious?

You'll understand when you grow up.

It's Father!

The Young Miss from Tokyo is here.

Father!

Oh, Kimiko!

It's been so long.

Yes, you've become a fine young lady now.

You look well as ever.

Thank you.

Thanks for coming such a long way.

Actually, I...

Kenichi, we'll chat as we walk.

You go on ahead.

What do you intend for me and Mother?

Of course you're on my mind.

And when I make good I'll send you money.

Money's not the point.

Weren't you in Tokyo recently?

Yes, on business.

Why didn't you come home then?

Why didn't you come and see Mother?

Whether you succeed or fail...

she wouldn't complain.

I know, I know.

After twenty years,

I know her better than you do.

It makes it all the worse.

Why? Mother's a fine person.

Too fine.

That's what's beyond me.

I don't understand.

I'm no good with her kind.

We'll discuss that later.

I came to take you back home.

To Tokyo?

That's right.

Please! Let's go home together.

No. I can't.

I have work to finish.

Prospecting all this time, and no gold in sight.

Can open a business in Tokyo. You'll manage.

If you just leave Oyuki,

Uncle says he'll help us.

No thanks.

I'll strike gold soon.

Then I'll provide for you.

I'm not talking about money.

We have my salary and...

the monthly money you send. We manage all right.

Who sends you money?

You do. 20 or 30 yen, every month.

No, I don't.

You do. Just last week.

No, the last time was years ago.

It's strange. Never any letters, just money.

Then it must be Oyuki.

Oyuki?

Since my failure,

she and Shizue feed us by hairdressing and sewing.

She's worried about you, so I guess she sends it.

She's that kind of woman.

She hasn't sent Shizue to school, so you could go.

"Lesson 10. Filial Piety".

"There once lived a man named Gihei".

"He was born in Kyoto".

"He was adopted soon after he was born".

"His foster father died when he was ten".

"From then on the cared for this sick foster mother".

"He had a filial heart".

Tired? Want a massage?

Yes, thanks.

"His family had no land".

"Gihei worked for the other farmers".

"He made a meager living".

"Rising early, he fed his poor mother".

Such manners!

Sister?

The Young Miss called our father "Father".

Never mind.

Just do your homework.

Young Miss?

Will you have some?

Thank you.

"Lesson 18. Wifely Duties".

"Takiko was the mother of Shoin Yoshida".

"His father, Yurinosuke,

was a poor samurai, so to support her family".

"Takiko worked in the fields".

Would you like a bath? There's a hotspring.

Shizue.

Take the Young Miss to the baths.

What about me?

Later, with Father.

Oyuki.

Forgive me.

For what?

Father made me see.

It's you who send us the money.

It's nothing.

I'm sorry. I had no idea.

It's all right.

I didn't want anyone to know.

I never dreamed.

In fact, I thought...

Father was sending us money behind your back.

Until I arrived here...

I had no idea you were supporting him.

I thought we suffered while he spoiled you.

Of course you'd think so, because I was a geisha.

If it weren't for me...

his Tokyo relatives would probably help him.

I blame myself constantly.

But looking at my two children...

thought I feel guilty...

and though we are poor...

the happiness we four have in being together...

is something I can't destroy.

We have talked of separation many times,

and him returning to Tokyo.

But his work is going so badly...

and he has been so kind...

I just can't send him away.

I could live the rest of my life this way...

if the four of us could stay together.

To those who worry about his welfare...

I may sound crazy.

But there's nothing else I really want.

I understand.

I know I will have to let him go some day...

But I hopped he'd stay till the children grow up.

Now that you've come, I don't know what to do.

To tell you the truth, I came to take him home.

I thought so.

But I think...

I may have been wrong.

In the evening...

near the luster...

of firefly light...

many different kinds...

of talk arise

Oh, is it not fine...

in the summer night?

You'll need this formal wear too.

Where did that come from?

Men don't need to know everything.

I won't need that.

You have go-between duties, and Kimiko's wedding plans.

Anything else?

I don't think so.

Your train fare.

This is too much.

Buy a wedding gift for Kimiko.

Where'd this come from?

I've been saving up for Shizue's wedding.

But we'll manage.

Don't worry.

Just...

Yes, what?

I'll repeat what I asked last night.

You'll come back, won't you?

I'm staying.

I just won't go.

Oh, you mustn't do that.

I only decided to go because you asked me to.

Kimiko said she'd go back alone.

I'm sorry. It's not that I doubt you.

I understand your feelings.

Father?

Are you packed?

You're coming right back, so you don't need much.

Right.

I'll borrow him for a few days.

Please do.

Where are Shizue and Kenichi?

On an errand.

Kenichi will miss...

his father.

I'll stay home after all.

Not that again.

I don't mind going alone.

Not you too. This won't do.

Take him this once.

When I left I was ready to rope him and drag him back.

But once here I've seen why he can't leave.

You're no good without Oyuki.

Right?

What are you saying!

It's true. The two of you act in complete harmony.

My mother can't do that.

How about you?

I'll manage fine.

You seem confident.

Seiji's pay is only 55 yen,

but he's not a speculator like you.

Not very subtle, are you?

Lining each side...

of the path like walls...

the barley ears emerge...

myriad flowers bloom

Sleeping butterflies...

and skylarks take flight

On the way back to Tokyo...

I forget which station...

he bought me tangerines and chocolate.

Until then I hadn't felt much affection for him.

But such a small thing...

suddenly made me feel I wanted to keep him near.

I even felt jealous of Oyuki's children.

In the mountains I had promised I'd return him,

but now I swore not to.

I wish Mother would do something to keep him.

The day after we arrived...

I suggested we all go out.

Kimiko, please get a taxi.

The train's right there.

Let's not be wasteful.

Father, cabs aren't much.

I'm good at haggling. Wait a minute.

Kimiko, don't be cheap.

Don't worry.

Father, I saw it in the movies. There's a way.

That wasn't a taxi.

He looked surprised.

Let me try.

Kimiko, let's walk.

Father, where would you like to go?

Well...

I'd like a pleasant drink somewhere.

You can drink at home.

Why not do something more meaningful?

CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBIT

Next it's Father's turn.

You want more?

No, I'll quit now.

Have a little more.

But next it's my choice.

KAGAMIJISHI DANCE

For yourself?

No. Kenichi wants shoes.

It was useless.

Father's heart was in the country.

And Mother thinks only of herself.

So she hasn't changed.

Father knows her well. He says,

"She's too fine, and I'm no good with her".

So they'll never get along.

Even mornings are funny.

Father says,

Good morning.

Good morning.

Lovely weather again.

Like strangers.

A farce.

A tragedy.

Maybe so.

They're back.

Welcome home.

Another inspiration.

Father, would you like to change clothes?

Yes...

Would you get my suit?

Your suit?

Yes. I can still catch the night train back.

But, Father!

Mother!

Quiet, please.

I'm correcting a poem I had forgotten.

I met Seiji's father, and did the go-between duties.

That was all I came for.

But...

Mother, Father says he's leaving.

Really?

You're leaving?

I'm sorry.

Forgive me.

I see.

I wish you well.

Thank you for everything.

I have work to finish. Please excuse me.

Would you call me a cab?

Good evening.

Hello. Is Shunsaku in?

Everyone's home.

Taxi?

Would you wait a minute?

Going out?

Uncle, he's going back to the mountains.

Really?

Yes. I still have work to finish.

A man with a grown child. Stop chasing dreams.

I came to offer you a job but...

first tell me what you intend for this family.

What do you have against Etsuko and Kimiko?

Are you going to let that Oyuki woman ruin you?

Uncle!

Tell me. What's wrong with Etsuko?

You left her, yet she's waited for you.

Few woman would do that.

Up till now...

you haven't even written.

It's not as if you were too poor to pay the fare.

You can get on the train any time you want.

Uncle, you mentioned the train fare. Actually...

Kimiko!

I'm sorry.

I should keep quiet.

Uncle, please.

Don't try to stop him.

What are you saying?

Isn't happiness having your parents together?

If it were only my own happiness at stake, maybe.

But I think it's right. Father should go back.

Ridiculous.

Father, please go.

Thank you. I will.

You're both crazy.

Etsuko!

Etsuko.

He's going back to her!

Each heart is different. There's no forcing him.

You, too!

Mother!

Never mind.

Seiji, take good care of Kimiko.

Kimiko, take care of your mother.

Mother!

Etsuko, stop him! Don't just cry!

Was a cab waiting?

The one you came in.

Idiot!

Mother has lost.

THE END